16 minute read
Expo 2020
THE WORLD IN ONE PLACE
Seven years in the making, and after a year-long delay, Expo 2020 Dubai is finally underway to inspire people, communities, businesses and nations with a contagious spirit of optimism.
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The first expo to take place in the Middle East, and billed as ‘the world in one place,’ Expo 2020 Dubai offers a global experience with more than 200 participants, 192 countries and numerous businesses and organizations in one enormous 4.38-kilometre site.
Thousands of visitors from around the globe will pass through Expo 2020 Dubai every day, discovering new innovations, experiencing world cuisines, creating new and lasting memories and exploring new opportunities to enhance lives, open minds, push boundaries and bring positive changes to the planet. The event’s theme is ‘Connecting Minds - Creating the Future’, and organizers promise it will leave a meaningful legacy for future generations.
World Expos have been held in cities throughout the world since the first World’s Fair took place in London in 1851. On November 27, 2013, Dubai and the UAE celebrated with spectacular fireworks lighting up the sky when the tiny Emirate learned it had won the bid to host the event in 2020. A new world was dawning in Dubai and the UAE, and along with the Expo site rising out of the barren desert, new infrastructure emerged, including hotels, roads and highways as Dubai prepared to welcome the world.
In October 2019, a year before the scheduled opening, a huge event took place at Burj Park. International artists such as Mariah Carey and Emirati star Hussain Al Jassmi took to the stage to launch the countdown to the much-anticipated event. Then some three months later, the world ground to a halt, along with the opening of the Expo, as Covid19 pandemic swept across the globe. Organizers of the Expo were stoic in their response to the setback, maintaining the 2020 branding and saying ‘our purpose of connecting minds and creating the future’ would resonate even more as the world began to rebuild.
Expo 2020 Dubai has something for everyone, adults, children, entrepreneurs, foodies, techies, culture vultures, baby boomers, millennials and Gen Z. With up to 60 live events a day, along with cuisine from more than 50 cultures, the 182-day event is set to be the must-visit destination of the decade.
Located close to Al Maktoum International Airport and easily reached from Dubai and
Abu Dhabi’s airports and cruise terminals, the Expo site is linked to the Route 2020 Metro extension, and the dedicated Expo Rider bus is complimentary.
Expo 2020 Dubai is a ‘city of the future’ with state-of-the-art innovations and incredible technology, digitally connecting the event to its visitors to guarantee an unrivalled experience. The Expo will go down as one of the most sustainable World Expos ever, with its cutting-edge architecture incorporating sensors that monitor energy efficiency.
The magnificent Al Wasi Plaza is at the heart of the Expo and is the central point for the celebrations that will take place during the course of the event. This iconic building is topped by a steel trellis dome – the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface. As soon as you step through the mashrabiyastyle carbon fibre entrance (the same material used in building spaceships), you know you are about to embark on a mindblowing experience.
Exploring Expo 2020 Dubai Explore Expo 2020 Dubai, explore the world! 182 days to collaborate, innovate and marvel at what humanity can accomplish together. Expo 2020 is a once-in-alifetime experience. Wander through the breathtaking architecture of pavilions housing ground-breaking technological advances and immersive experiences and travel the world’s cultures and cuisines in one amazing place.
Three distinct themed districts boast performance spaces, innovation galleries, art installations, parks and gardens with each district in its own unique pavilion.
Sustainability District The Sustainability District is all about how humans can live in harmony while embracing a high-tech future.
Experience the unique sights, sounds and aromas of Brazil’s Amazon basin as you walk through a ‘rainforest’ under the blues skies of the UAE. Take a wander through a forest canopy and climb to the hanging garden at the Singapore Pavilion.
Worked up a thirst? Enjoy authentic tapas at the Spain Pavilion and why not wash it down with a virgin Mojito at the Cuba Pavilion.
Learn about Sweden’s smart cities and how the country is developing the next generation of travel. Take a stroll through a ‘Nordic forest’ and enjoy a Swedish coffee break at the Sweden
Situated between Al Wasl Plaza and Jubilee Park, the Expo 2020 Water Feature combines the elements of water, earth and fire. The 153 individual waves range from glistening sheets to bursts of water that literally leap from the walls as they make their dramatic descent to the plaza below.
At the feature’s centre is a “mysterious circle of fire” that produces enormous bursts of flames in hues of red, green and yellow. Each surge of water is released on a musical cue, creating an orchestral masterpiece performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. The original score was written by the award-winning composer Ramin Djawadi, whose work includes the theme music for the HBO series Game of Thrones
Pavilion. Football fans will relish a visit to the Qatar Pavilion as the country prepares to host the Fifa World cup later this year.
Mobility District Space exploration, innovated mobility devices, and connectivity can be explored at the Mobility District.
Immerse yourself in a world of chocolate at the Cote d’Ivoire Pavilion and discover the wealth of natural minerals at the pavilion of the tiny island of Nauru.
At the pavilion of Sao Tome and Principe embark on a journey through a paradise of palm-lined beaches and incredible biodiversity and listen to the environmental call from the Tuvalu Pavilion as they work to protect their islands from sinking.
Opportunity District Understand how our lives and actions are interconnected in the Opportunity District and help shape the future by unlocking your own potential.
Contribute to the ever-changing digital message on the façade of the UK Pavilion and experience the story of the Emerald Isle on a 360-degree display at the Ireland Pavilion.
Be teleported from Dubai to the streets of Jaffa and Tel Aviv at the Israel Pavilion and explore the delights of a tropical environment at the Eswatini Pavilion.
Events & Experiences Each week Expo 2020 Dubai brings different themes where visitors can learn and participate in events and seminars addressing global challenges.
October 1 brings the inauguration of all the pavilions. Expect to have your mind blown with a cacophony of sound, astonishing light shows and dance displays brimming with colour as the 192 countries pull out all the stops to showcase their culture.
rest of the Expo won’t disappoint. Every day unique events will be staged, each one capturing the hearts, minds, spirit and imagination of visitors such as a spectacular flyover of The Patrouille Acrobatique de France - the precision aerobatics demonstration unit of the French Air & Space Force.
Slowing down the pace a little and getting down to the serious business of protecting the planet, the calendar is packed with events and experiences relating to sustainability and the changing climate. Learn how countries and island nations large and small are planning and working toward a green future. Meet the people behind the promises and experience the struggles of poorer nations as they try to play their part in ensuring the survival of the planet.
Learn how we can protect water – our most precious resource. Discover how we can reverse the impact of pollution on our ocean ecosystems, recognise the value of water to our economies and ensure we work toward a clean and reliable water source for all.
Make an early start at Expo Dubai 2022 and enjoy the Global Awakening. Meander through the Al Wasi Plaza and hear the sweet sounds of nature calling. When the sun goes down, the dome lights up against the night sky and tells stories from the Arab region and the world around us.
Take part in a little girl’s dream where the moon speaks – Ousha is a 12-year-old girl born without speech. Every evening Ousha’s special story will be told through a 10-minute projection show.
This decade is all about empowerment, wellness, self-belief and discovery. Hear the voices of women and girls from around the world who are taking control of their destiny as well as people from rural communities embarking on new challenges.
Tolerance & Inclusivity is extensively covered as seminars and events explore how we can work toward making the world a better and safer place for the LGBTQ community, people from diverse backgrounds and those living with disability.
Animal lovers will be fascinated by initiatives using domestic animals in therapy, and at how marine life plays such an important part in our ecosystem.
Sports fans can put on their game face with a range of sporting events including
Al Wasl Dome is a marvel – the centrepiece of Expo 2020 Dubai, equipped with the world’s largest 360-degree projection screen and more than 250 state-of-the-art projectors – but it’s only one of Expo’s many technological innovations.
Ride the world’s largest passenger lift, interact with the more than 150 robots offering assistance or delivering food, or experience what it feels like to travel at high speed on a hyperloop.
Experience the union of art and technology by stepping inside the 14-metre-high walls of a spectacular, 360-degree immersive water, light and fire show or be mesmerised by the front of the Republic of Korea Pavilion, which features descending rows of glowing digital cubes that spin and light up in synchronised displays.
a meet and greet session with AC Milan football team and a visit from Manchester City players. Basketball exhibitionists, The Harlem Globetrotters, will make an appearance along with boxing champion Anthony Joshua and tennis star Goran Ivanišević.
Countries and their leaders are honoured throughout Expo 2020 Dubai. Witness processions and cultural events throughout the site, celebrating the uniqueness of each country. Celebrate Halloween in high octane with an opera spectacular. The Diwali festival of lights will be celebrated with a special show in the Al Wasi Plaza and Christmas & New Year will be days and nights to remember.
On Valentine’s Day, the Expo will celebrate love in all its guises and Moms will be honoured on Mother’s Day with a children’s choir. World Poetry Day will bring spokenword artists from around the world collaborating in the power of poetry.
Expo 2022 Dubai coincides with the UAE’s Golden Jubilee and provides the perfect platform for Emiratis to share the joy and pride they have for their nation.
Food & Agriculture Food and Agriculture is an integral part of the events schedule. Learn about growing sustainably and the role of food in our lives. Africa is specifically spotlighted, along with the ‘Innovation Challenge for Zero Hunger’ and the ‘Good Food for All event’.
World cuisine is one of the highlights of Expo 2020 Dubai, whether it’s the sultry spices of Asia, modern fusion cuisine, or if hearty rustic ‘peasant’ food is more to your liking, your tastebuds will not be disappointed. Take the opportunity to try new flavours, unusual dishes and food you wouldn’t ordinarily choose from a menu. At the Lithuania Pavilion witness BITES in action, a 3D printer designed for real-time printing of snacks. These are natural high biological value snacks containing just three ingredients – a freeze dried product (or a mix of several) cocoa butter and pea protein isolate. Buy and enjoy printed BITES at the retail store.
Discover how the food is made, the history behind the dishes and how, in many cases, traditional methods are still preferred over modern food technology.
Innovating for a Shared Future Unleash your inner techie, discover lifechanging innovations and experience a truly connected high-tech world. Countless technological advances await. Add your voice to a continuously changing collective message and get an awe-inspiring glimpse into the future, exploring everything from the commercialisation of space to artificial intelligence.
At the Emirates Pavilion visitors can experience the future of commercial aviation in UAE’s centennial year 2071 - a technically advanced, must-see opportunity to experience and influence the future of aviation.
Throughout the Expo business leaders from local start-ups or global conglomerates can discover new innovations and meet the people behind the ideas. With globalization at the forefront of world economy, entrepreneurs can explore business opportunities in different countries with no jet lag or time-consuming travel. The Expo Business Programme offers conferences, meeting and exhibitions and is a platform for highlighting business opportunities in the UAE and all participating countries.
A World of Imagination Expo 2020 Dubai isn’t just about knowledge, learning and celebrations, it’s about feeding the senses. Be amazed by stilt walkers, clowns, beat boxers, hip hop artists, flash mobs, fashion shows, classical music and sights and sounds from all over the world. Every day or evening throughout Expo 2020 Dubai, visitors can experience a sensory overload with the music, culture, colour, characters and tastes of almost every country on earth. Countries and cultures that may seem out of reach are here for you to experience – around the world in 182 days!
From Spain to Saudi Arabia, from Bahrain to Bolivia – find out what makes these countries special, how they came to be, what makes their people tick, what their future looks like and how they play their part in the world. Expect to be surprised, expect to be moved and most definitely expect to be amazed.
Getting around Expo 2020 Dubai couldn’t be easier, stroll from district to district at your own pace, jump aboard the inter-district people mover, or rent am Expo Buggy, complete with driver. You can also enjoy a sightseeing tour by sustainable transport with the Expo Explorer, unique electric and compressed- air trains.
Expo 2020 will come to a close after six months of innovation, connectivity and outstanding vision, but the end is only a beginning. The Expo site will transition into District 2020 and at least 80% of the infrastructure will be reused continuing the vision of being a connected, creative and innovative ecosystem.
Organisers say that “The connections we will all make, our hopes and aspirations, and the opportunity to experience the innovation, ideas, cultures and traditions of 192 participating countries will all translate into building a better tomorrow for all of humanity.”
Dubai promised us the world back in 2013 when it won the bid for Expo 2020 – it has more than lived up to its promise...
HOME FROM HOME
The former Bonnington Hotel Dubai rebranded recently under IHG’s upscale brand voco, offering guests a modern, stylish, and unstuffy hotel experience. The 208-room hotel embodies the characteristics of voco with exclusive features and distinctive hallmarks, setting it apart for a memorable stay.
Every guest will experience the signature ‘come on in’ warm welcome, promising a swift and simple check-in, with dedicated voco hosts available throughout the guest’s stay.
Located in the heart of bustling and cosmopolitan Jumeirah Lakes Towers and one of the newest hotels in the area, at voco Bonnington Dubai you are minutes away from Dubai Marina and its beaches and a short ride from a host of luxury shopping facilities and malls, restaurants, bars, and some of the world’s top golf courses.
Jumeirah Lakes Towers is a waterfront area home to the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Free Zone, the largest and fastest-growing free zone in the UAE and an increasingly important regional commodities hub for trade and enterprise.
The 5-star voco Bonnington Dubai is just a short journey to the Dubai Expo 2020 site and Jebel Ali free zone. It is within easy reach from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi international airports and Dubai cruise port, making voco Bonnington Dubai the
ideal location to explore Dubai, be it for business or for leisure.
Beautifully refurbished guest rooms benefit from the voco design concept with thoughtful comforts like cosy bedding made from 100% recycled materials, Antipodes high-quality organic amenities in larger dispenser bottles, high-speed WiFi, Smart TVs, executive desks and in-room refreshments.
All rooms and suite include complimentary coffee & tea supplies, complimentary water, fluffy bathrobe and slippers, complimentary WiFi, luxury amenities, stand-alone bathtubs, rainfall showers, hair dryer, flatscreen TV, in-room dining, and in-room safe.
Deluxe rooms feature big comfy beds and black-out blinds, guaranteeing the best night’s sleep. Enjoy marina or golf course views from superior rooms and relish in the extra space in the larger club rooms. Club suites boast some 60m2 of living space, and club deluxe suites and deluxe corner suites enjoy fabulous views.
Delightful Dining Feeling hungry? voco Bonnington Dubai hosts a range of vibrant dining experiences to suit all culinary tastes. Whether you’re looking for intimate dining or fun with friends and colleagues, voco Bonnington Dubai has the eatery for you.
Dine at the Cavendish Restaurant with its carefully created international menu curated by a team of talented chefs. Sunday is carvery day; enjoy a Sunday roast with all the trimmings, a great day out for all the family,
At the award-winning pub McGettigan’s JLT you can enjoy a warm Irish welcome. The perfect hangout spot where you can shoot some pool, relax in the outdoor beer garden, enjoy live music, comedy acts, live sports on the big screens and meet with friends. Its tasty home-style food menu includes burgers, chicken wings, home fries and a range of other deliciously comforting dishes.
The Cheeky Camel is Dubai’s best new neighbourhood bar eatery. With dynamic interior design combined with a menu of dishes blended from European and Middle Eastern flavours, this is set to fast become the place to eat in Jumeirah Lakes Towers for locals and visitors alike.
For a more serene and elegant experience, enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea at Authors’ Lounge. This special offering includes sandwiches, scones, cakes, tea and coffee, as well as a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. Every Saturday a live pianist plays graceful music while visitors indulge in delicious treats.
The Leisure Deck offers sweeping views of the Dubai Marina skyline, where guests can enjoy the swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna and steam rooms. As an added perk, the beauty salon and pool bar have enticing daily offers for guests.
The voco Bonnington Dubai is easily reached by public transport, just two kilometres from the train and subway station. Free onsite parking is available and accessed by a key card available from the front desk if you choose to drive. Valet parking is also available.
Special offers and events are available throughout the year. Contact the hotel directly for more information or visit their website. Call +971-4-3560000 or visit www.vocobonnington.com.
The voco brand combines the informality and charm of an individual hotel with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. Whatever your reason for staying at the voco Bonnington Dubai, you are assured a warm welcome, top-class facilities and outstanding service - a real home away from home.
